Lutheran Disaster Response to Hurricane Helene & Milton

Written By Brianna Iverson

We have watched the news this past week and seen the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Being from the Midwest, I am not sure I can fully understand the damage that has been done. From afar one can feel helpless and yet, the beauty of being the church is that we are a community that cares for one another.


ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is a fantastic part of our church that shows up where help is needed and works until the job is done. As we support LDR, we are helping to meet the needs of our neighbors. If you are feeling called to donate in any way to help with the recovery effort, I would encourage you to consider LDR. It is one way we can be the church in a powerful way and 100% of your donation will help out where it is needed most.

Check out the information from Lutheran Disaster Response, but I also encourage you to be in prayer for those most affected. This will be a long recovery process and so we give thanks for all who are part of that recovery...the neighbors, community members, organizations and churches that will rebuild in the weeks and months and years to come. Most of all, we pray for the families whose lives are forever changed. May they find hope beyond the devastation.

With hope,

Pastor Dawn Lindberg

East Conference Dean of the La Crosse Area Synod

 

About Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene hit the coast of Florida as a Category 4 hurricane on Sept. 26 and has ravaged communities in the southeast, from Florida to Virginia. As the floodwaters have started to recede, the extreme devastation — especially in North Carolina and Tennessee — has become clearer. Now, it is time to do what we do best: roll up our sleeves and get to work.

Entire towns, roads and bridges have been washed away, and millions remain without power and cell service. 

“We can't yet know what we're facing in terms of damage … but I do know [this],” says the Rev. Timothy Smith, bishop of the North Carolina Synod. “Lutheran Disaster Response, in partnership with our synod, along with other helpers, will be there for the long haul, and we will rally around our congregations, camps and communities.” Time Stamp: Oct 3, 2024

How Can I Help?

There are lots and lots of people wanting to volunteer. Volunteering in disaster response does NOT mean you have to rush to the worst-hit areas and put yourself in danger or become someone else who needs to be rescued. There are plenty of opportunities available right now. DO NOT SELF DEPLOY – But Plan to volunteer to help at home or when volunteer centers open and they are ready to receive you.  We will post this information as soon as we know.  Below are ways you can help TODAY:


1- Pray

Loving God, we come to you trusting in your mercy and knowing that your steadfast love endures forever. Look with mercy on those who are harmed or displaced by Hurricane Helene. Give them your strength to meet the days ahead, your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and renewed hope for restoration and rebuilding. Move in those who are able to give aid, that we may be your hands and heart on earth. Be with all who offer assistance; may your Spirit uphold them. As you have made water a sign of your kingdom, and of cleansing and rebirth, grant your people vision to see new life on the other side of disaster. To you be given all honor and praise, through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.

2- Start by going to the Red Cross volunteer page and give blood, volunteer to help at a shelter, or provide whatever needs they list.

  • South Carolina currently has 7 shelters open and are in need of volunteers (as of 10/07/2024)

  • North Carolina currently has more than 12 shelters open and are desperate for volunteers (as of 10/07/2024)

  • North Carolina has many volunteer positions available. Go to this site to register and choose your position: https://www.nc.gov/.../volunteernc/disaster-services...

  • You can register here and choose preferred counties and positions: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DBF2JM9


3- Why doesn't Lutheran Disaster Response have volunteer positions open?

  • LDR does not normally deploy first response teams. There are professionals who do that, groups from.other denominations, and organizations like Team Rubicon made up of military veterans, who do train for that rapid response and deploy those teams.

  • LDR is in disaster response for the long haul – rebuilding. Once the emergency response is complete, then we will begin organizing volunteer teams to help with debris cleanup, mucking out houses, helping with shelters and feeding, and then rebuilding.

  • We will be doing this for years after all the first responders have gone on to the next disaster. No one organization can do everything, so we choose where we will excel, and that is in long term recovery efforts. Those have not yet begun.


4- Build Cleanup Buckets and Children's Comfort Kits

5- Crisis Clean up Call Line

  • This is an important volunteer task!  By helping with the Crisis Clean Up Call Line you talk directly with survivors and help them get their information on the board to be picked up by groups that can help with their need. You can do this from your home with a computer and a phone. Contact Beth Smith from our domestic partner synod to volunteer and get more information. Email: bethrand@comcast.net


6- Donate

  • Lutheran Disaster Response has strong relationships in the region and is already at work on the ground. Working alongside synods and other partners, Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to expand to all impacted areas. We anticipate that our greatest impact will be reaching those in underserved and rural areas. By giving to Lutheran Disaster Response, you enable the ELCA to act quickly after disasters such as Hurricane Helene and to remain for as long as the recovery takes.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brianna Iverson
Previous

ELCA Conference of Bishops Emphasizes the Need to Speak the Truth
Next

Civic Engagement and Loving-Kindness